The National Institute on Aging reports depression is a serious illness and not a normal part of aging, although it is a common problem. The cause of depression is unknown, but it may be related to heredity and triggered by major life events such as the death of a spouse. Friends and family members of elderly individuals can help by being alert to the signs of depression, being supportive and encouraging the person to get treatment. Medications and psychotherapy can greatly improve the person’s quality of life for patients of any age.
Step 1
Educate yourself about depression in the elderly. Symptoms may vary from those experienced by younger people so they may not be recognized by caregivers and health care providers as depression.
Step 2
Stay in regular contact with the person and her caregivers through phone calls and visits. Arrange for other friends and family members to visit or call as well.
Step 3
Be alert for stressful events that might trigger or deepen depression, including retirement, serious illness or loss of a loved one. Caregivers for ill spouses may also become depressed.
Step 4
Ask a pharmacist to check the person’s list of prescribed medications for side effects and interactions. Some medications prescribed for other illnesses may cause mood changes or confusion that are mistaken for mental health issues.
Step 5
Encourage the person to seek treatment to improve their quality of life if their symptoms have lasted two weeks or more. With the person’s permission, contact her health care provider about your concerns or accompany her to a medical appointment.
Step 6
Offer to help with housework, paperwork or other tasks that the person may have been neglecting or arrange for someone else to provide assistance.
Step 7
Assist the person in developing a plan to manage her symptoms. Encourage her to resume activities that once gave her pleasure, take classes at the local senior center or university, engage in regular exercise activities and follow her treatment plan.
Tips and Warnings
- Depressed seniors may appear to be tired, grumpy, irritable, confused or moody, rather than depressed. More typical symptoms of depression include changes in eating and sleeping patterns, weight gain or loss, lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, crying, lack of energy, problems with concentration or memory, physical pains that do not respond to treatment, isolation from others, irritability or anxiety.
- Don’t ignore the warning signs. If left untreated, serious depression can lead to suicide.
Things You'll Need
- Books and articles about depression
- Contact information for the person's caregivers and health care providers
